WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Mourns Mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo, at 96

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has lost her mother, Professor Kamene Okonjo, the distinguished sociologist, women’s rights advocate and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State. She died on Friday at the age of 96.

The royal family announced her passing on Sunday through the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi. The statement described her as an exceptional woman whose life was marked by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion and a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

Professor Okonjo was the wife of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage until his death in 2019. She was also the mother of the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.

An internationally recognised sociologist, she made significant contributions to scholarship on the political and social roles of Igbo women west of the River Niger. Her widely cited works include the 1976 essay “The Dual-Sex Political System in Operation: Igbo Women and Community Politics in Midwestern Nigeria” and a 1980 study on the role of women in social change among the Igbo. She was celebrated for her advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment both within and beyond Nigeria.

Breaking her silence on Sunday, Dr Okonjo-Iweala expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Today, I have been overwhelmed with messages of condolences and tributes to my wonderful mother. I just want to thank all my friends and followers and let you know how appreciative my entire family and I are of your support,” she wrote.

“My mother lived a quality life till the end and we are very grateful we had her for so long. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

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President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other public figures have extended condolences to the Okonjo family and the people of Ogwashi-Uku. Tinubu described her as “a champion of women’s empowerment and a revered matriarch.”

Professor Okonjo is survived by her children, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider royal family. The family said that while mourning her departure, they celebrate “a life exceptionally well lived.”